Page 21 - valuing-diversity-guidance-for-labour-market-integration-of-migrants

Valuing diversity: guidance for labour market integration of migrants

Activities to support the integration of women and the academic success of
youth frequently rely on the development of mentoring models, generally turning
to role models. Advocating and networking activities are a growing concern of
integration services, normally aimed at ensuring fundamental rights for
immigrants and increasing their access to the receiving country’s systems or
increasing access to professional/labour market networks in the country.
Most service providers fall into one of two categories: public services or non-
profit organisations. When the promoters are non-profit organisations, there is
cooperation between them and public administrations to help clients. Most
projects promoted by non-profit organisations are jointly financed by public
authorities and European funds.
Employers, both immigrant background and national, are frequently involved
in the relevant networks, normally in relation to apprenticeships/internships. Firm
managers/owners with similar backgrounds also act as a social anchor for
projects, given their potential as role models for at-risk youth or women in search
of a professional activity.
Some integration programmes can be compulsory for all legal immigrants, or
their outcomes (such as language skills) may be an entry requirement. In
voluntary programmes, frequently the biggest issue is to identify and reach target
groups. Most programmes are promoted via websites, social media, flyers and
posters in strategic places, such as public employment services. Community
involvement is sometimes used to increase access to integration programmes,
via associations, immigrant professionals or prominent members.
Monitoring mechanisms are frequently associated with financing
arrangements: they tend to be part of the requirements and promoters need to
report on them. Demands on this level are very diverse and frequently low, not
allowing for comparability of practices. Although outputs from projects are
sometimes indicated, they are not clearly reported, partly due to the lack of
systematic monitoring and follow-up mechanisms. Organised evidence on the
efficacy of integration measures would allow for better accountability of practices
and for better criteria in selecting the implemented approaches.

Challenges and recommendations

Key guidance policy issues for immigrant labour market integration
Analysis of European and national strategies, initiatives and legislation, as well
as guidance practices across Europe, allowed identification a set of important
issues for policy-making, with implications for both organisation and practice.

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